Evil Dead Rise
This latest installment of Sam Raimi's horror franchise features some particularly explicit violence that is quite noticeable, but it doesn't necessarily leave a lasting impression once the movie is finished.
The 2013 Evil Dead reboot had an unexpectedly serious tone, which was surprising considering the humorous nature of Sam Raimi's original films and the prevailing trends in the horror genre at that time. The movie featured intense and graphic depictions of demonic possession without any self-awareness or comedic relief, which was a departure from the norm then and even now, despite the constant influx of horror movies. Perhaps this explains why the film's impressive box office success did not immediately lead to more Evil Dead sequels.
In an era where old franchises are being revived with more enthusiasm than ever before, Evil Dead Rise is a natural rebirth. This comes after recent comebacks of other horror franchises such as Scream, Hellraiser, and Halloween, and before we see more revivals of The Exorcist, The Thing, and Friday the 13th. Initially planned to debut on HBO Max, it's now been upgraded to a theatrical release, which is a wise move given the horror genre's consistent box-office success. The film looks and feels like a genuine movie, which sets it apart from many other productions that go straight to streaming. Lee Cronin, an Irish writer-director who gained critical praise for his 2019 debut The Hole in the Ground, has made an impressive transition to studio fare. Although Evil Dead Rise may not be as frightening as its predecessor, it's still a strong effort.
In his latest movie and a first for the Evil Dead franchise, Cronin shifts his attention to a family: Beth (played by Lily Sullivan), her sister Ellie (played by Alyssa Sutherland), and Ellie's three children. While Beth tries to cope with an unplanned pregnancy during her visit home, Ellie is dealing with the aftermath of a recent breakup. However, their personal problems become trivial when an earthquake unleashes a well-known cursed book, leading to a frantic fight for survival.
Cronin's take on the classic horror formula in "The Cabin in the Woods" diverges from the usual by starting in a soon-to-be-condemned apartment building in LA instead of the typical cabin in the woods. The challenge for the writer was to create a believable scenario that would trap the characters in a survival horror situation. Despite the building's disrepair, which made it susceptible to an earthquake that blocked the stairs and elevator, one might wonder why the characters didn't try harder to escape, especially given the early transformation of one of them into a demon.
Although visually stunning, the film lacks the necessary tension required for a suspenseful thriller, especially in a world where streaming content is hastily produced. While the violence can be creative and gory, it is also too fantastical to have a real impact on the audience. Unlike its predecessor, which tackled addiction, this sequel loosely revolves around motherhood in a subtle pro-life manner. However, the theme seems to be included just for the sake of it, without the heavy-handedness of many recent horror films. The performances of the actresses playing the good and bad sisters are commendable, but the script forces the former to make some questionable decisions that strain credibility, like choosing to use headphones during an emergency.
Evil Dead Rise" is a passable horror film that has sufficient elements to warrant the continuation of the franchise, although it may not leave audiences craving for more. Despite its gruesomeness, there is not much substance to sink our teeth into.